Different Types of Mustard, and What Dishes Each of Them Is Good For

Mustard is a popular condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant. In the culinary world, the seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba), black mustard (Brassica nigra) or brown mustard (Brassica juncea) are used. To make a sauce, the seeds are mixed with various liquids, like water, vinegar, or lemon juice. Also, salt and various spices are added to mustard to improve the taste.

5-Minute Crafts would like to tell you about the 7 most popular types of mustard and which dishes each of them is good for.

1. Yellow mustard

This is the most popular and recognizable type of mustard due to its bright yellow color. The secret that stands behind this color is turmeric. When combined with white mustard seeds, vinegar, and water, it gives mustard a viscous, sauce-like consistency.

What it tastes like: mild, moderately spicy, with bright acidity

What dishes it’s good for: hot dogs, burgers, and barbecues. You can also make sauces, salad dressings, and marinades with yellow mustard.

2. English mustard

English mustard looks like yellow mustard, but has a denser texture. It’s a mix of white and brown mustard seeds, to which a little food acid is added instead of vinegar to get a brighter and more pungent taste.

What it tastes like: spicy, rich

What dishes it’s good for: sandwiches and roasted meat. You can also make hot sauces with English mustard.

3. Dijon mustard

This classic mustard comes from the French city of Dijon. It’s made from brown or black mustard seeds and some white wine. It has a smooth consistency and looks like yellow mustard.

What it tastes like: spicy, sharp, tangy, with low acidity

What dishes it’s good for: salads and sandwiches. You can also make mayonnaise and homemade sauces with Dijon mustard.

4. Honey mustard

Honey mustard is a mixture of honey and mustard in a 1:1 ratio. Usually yellow mustard is used. Honey tempers its bitterness and makes the taste softer and more well-rounded.

What it tastes like: moderately spicy, sweet

What dishes it’s good for: sandwiches (especially with ham), chicken nuggets and strips. You can also mix honey mustard with olive oil or vinegar for a salad dressing.

5. Spicy brown mustard

This condiment is based on the seeds of brown mustard. Sometimes yellow seeds and various spices are added to it, like ginger, nutmeg, or cinnamon. A small amount of vinegar is used as a liquid. The seeds don’t fully break down when processed, giving the final sauce a slightly coarse texture.

What it tastes like: spicy, full-bodied, with a slight earthy undertone and low acidity

What dishes it’s good for: fatty meat dishes, sausages, and meat sandwiches.

6. Bavarian sweet mustard

The sweet Bavarian mustard originates from Germany, and it is a mixture of yellow and brown mustard seeds with sugar, vinegar, and various spices. Also, this mustard can be additionally sweetened with honey and applesauce.

What it tastes like: sweet, moderately spicy

What dishes it’s good for: burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and German sausages.

7. Whole grain mustard

Whole grain mustard is made from coarsely ground mustard seeds. They are crushed enough to maintain their texture, but still form a paste.

Any mustard seeds can be used to make whole grain mustard: white, black, or brown. They can be taken separately or mixed together. Vinegar, water, or lemon juice are added as a liquid to the seeds. So, the production of whole grain mustard provides a huge field for creativity.

What it tastes like: spicy, aromatic, crispy, full-bodied

What dishes it’s good for: roasted chicken, ham sandwiches, and assorted cheeses. Also, whole grain mustard can be used to make sauces and salad dressings.